---
title: "Nicotine replacement therapies: essential support for effective smoking cessation"
description: Discover how nicotine replacement therapies help successfully quit smoking and effectively reduce cravings.
---

[Blog ](https://www.adhexpharma.com/blog)

# [Nicotine replacement therapies: essential support for effective smoking cessation](https://www.adhexpharma.com/blog/nicotine-replacement-therapies-essential-support-smoking-cessation)

 Written by [Mélaine Roche](https://www.adhexpharma.com/blog/author/mélaine-roche) | Nov 5, 2025 8:21:26 AM

**Quitting smoking** is one of the **most challenging health decisions**, but also one of the **most beneficial for the body**. **Tobacco dependence** is largely linked to **nicotine**, a **psychoactive substance** that acts directly on the **nervous system** and causes an **addiction phenomenon**. To support **smokers** in this process, **nicotine replacement therapies** play a **central role**.

 

### **Why use a nicotine replacement therapy?**

**Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs)** are **medications containing nicotine**. Their purpose is to **alleviate withdrawal symptoms** experienced during **smoking cessation**. Since **nicotine** is the **substance responsible for dependence**, **gradually reducing the amount administered each day** helps **limit the appearance of withdrawal symptoms** such as **nervousness, cravings, insomnia, or headaches**.

**Clinical studies** show that the **use of NRTs increases the chances of successful smoking cessation by 50% to 70% [1]**.

**Nicotine replacement therapies** come in **different forms**, each with **administration methods adapted** to the **varied needs of individuals undergoing smoking cessation**.

 

### **Transdermal patches**

**Transdermal devices containing nicotine** are designed to **deliver the active ingredient gradually and continuously through the skin**. They are applied to a **clean, dry area free of hair or skin lesions**, such as the **outer arm**, **shoulder blade**, **chest**, or **hip**. Once applied, the **patch releases nicotine over a period of 16 to 24 hours**, depending on the type, allowing for **stable blood nicotine levels**. This **steady delivery** helps **limit constant withdrawal symptoms**, which are responsible for **physical dependence**.

The **amount of nicotine delivered by the patch** depends on its **size and dosage**, often available in **multiple strengths** (e.g., **7, 14, or 21 mg per day**). The **dosage choice** is adapted to the **level of dependence**, generally assessed through **questionnaires** or the **number of cigarettes smoked daily**.

**Daily application of the patch** should be accompanied by **rotation of the application sites** to **avoid local irritation**. Treatment often **begins with a high dose**, followed by a **gradual reduction over several weeks** to support **cessation until complete abstinence**.

 

### **Nicotine gummies**

**Nicotine gummies** **release nicotine quickly** when **chewed slowly**. The user should **chew gently** until experiencing a **strong taste or tingling sensation**, then **place the gummy between the cheek and gum** to **promote absorption** for a few minutes without chewing. This **chew-and-park method** is repeated for about **30 minutes**, optimizing **nicotine absorption**.

The **dosage** varies depending on the **level of dependence** and **manufacturer recommendations**. It is **advised to follow a healthcare professional’s guidance** to determine the **appropriate dose and treatment duration**.

 

### **Lozenges or sublingual tablets**

**Lozenges or sublingual tablets** (to be **placed under the tongue**) contain **nicotine** that **gradually diffuses in the mouth**. They should be **allowed to dissolve slowly without chewing or swallowing**, allowing **absorption through the oral mucosa**. This form helps **reduce smoking cravings** in a **discreet and controlled way**, as part of a **smoking cessation program**.

 

### **Inhalators**

The **nicotine inhalator** is an **oral delivery device** that allows **nicotine absorption through the oral and pharyngeal mucosa** during inhalation. **Nicotine is delivered from a cartridge** inserted into the device, and its use **partially replicates the hand-to-mouth action associated with smoking**.

 

### **Nicotine oral sprays**

The **nicotine oral spray** is an **oral delivery method** that allows **rapid and localized release of nicotine** on the **oral mucosa**. Each **spray delivers a precise amount of active substance**, ensuring **quick absorption** and a **near-immediate effect**. The **effectiveness** of the device depends on **correct use**, including **avoiding food or drinks before and after application** to **maximize absorption through oral tissues**.

 

### **Nicotine oral films**

**Nicotine oral films** are part of **nicotine replacement therapies** used to **support smoking cessation**. They are **thin, soluble strips placed in the mouth** that **rapidly release nicotine**, allowing **efficient absorption through the oral mucosa**. They provide a **discreet and convenient alternative** to **relieve smoking cravings**.

 

### **Two main categories of treatments**

- **Continuous-release forms**, such as **patches**, which provide a **constant supply of nicotine** to **gradually reduce physical dependence**.
- **Rapid-action forms**, such as **gummies, lozenges, sprays, and inhalators**, which help **effectively manage sudden and occasional cravings**.

### **Combination of forms and support**

**Nicotine replacement therapies** are sometimes **combined**: **patches** provide **continuous delivery** and **limit constant withdrawal**, while **oral and buccal forms** handle **peak cravings**.  
The **choice of forms and dosages** is made after **evaluation by a healthcare professional**, based on **dependence, habits, and patient preferences**. **Medical or pharmaceutical follow-up** is **recommended** to **adjust the treatment** so it is **effective and well-tolerated**.

 

### **Duration and benefits of treatment**

**Substitutes** are used on average for **3 to 6 months**, sometimes **longer depending on the level of dependence**. The **benefits of quitting smoking** are **rapid and long-lasting**. In **less than 24 hours**, the body **eliminates carbon monoxide**, improving **oxygen transport in the blood**. Within **a few days**, the **senses of taste and smell regain sensitivity**, **breathing becomes easier**, and **energy increases**. After **a few months**, **coughing and shortness of breath decrease**, and the **skin regains its glow**. Beyond **one year of abstinence**, the **risk of heart attack is reduced by half**, and the **risk of stroke approaches that of a non-smoker**. The **risk of lung cancer also decreases significantly [2]**.

These improvements show how **quitting smoking is beneficial**, both in the **short and long term**.

### **Practical advice**

- **Mental preparation and motivation** are **essential** for successful cessation.
- **Identifying triggers** and **modifying smoking-related behaviors** **facilitates success**.
- **Maintaining a balanced lifestyle** and **seeking appropriate follow-up** are **factors that support perseverance**.
- **Professional healthcare support** can help **tailor the approach** to the **individual’s needs**.

### **A collective public health challenge**

In France, the national campaign **“Mois sans tabac”**, organized every **November since 2016** by **Santé Publique France** and **Assurance Maladie**, encourages **smokers to take on the challenge of quitting for 30 days**. This **first milestone increases the chances of permanent cessation fivefold**, contributing to **improved public health [3]**.

To support participants, **practical tools** (**mobile app, kit, helpline**) and **medical guidance** are offered. Since its creation, **nearly 1.5 million people** have participated in the **“Mois sans tabac” campaign**, with **over 134,000 registrations in 2024 [4]**. This initiative highlights the **key role of public health campaigns** in the **fight against smoking**.

As a **player in pharmaceutical development**, **AdhexPharma** supports **innovative patient solutions** and assists its **partners** in **developing suitable delivery technologies**, such as **[transdermal patches](https://www.adhexpharma.com/patches?hsLang=en)** and **[oral films](https://www.adhexpharma.com/oral-films?hsLang=en)**. These formats provide **effective ways to meet accessibility, ease of use, and safety needs** in **smoking cessation**.

 

References

[1] “Smoking Cessation: How Nicotine Replacement Therapies Are Covered?” Accessed: September 25, 2025. [Online]. Available at: [https://www.ameli.fr/assure/remboursements/rembourse/medicaments-vaccins-dispositifs-medicaux/prise-charge-substituts-nicotiniques](https://www.ameli.fr/assure/remboursements/rembourse/medicaments-vaccins-dispositifs-medicaux/prise-charge-substituts-nicotiniques)

[2] “Prepare for ‘Mois sans tabac’ with Tools to Take on the Challenge!” Accessed: October 2, 2025. [Online]. Available at: [https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A15291](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A15291)

[3] “Mois sans tabac | Ligue contre le cancer.” Accessed: October 9, 2025. [Online]. Available at: [https://www.ligue-cancer.net/mois-sans-tabac](https://www.ligue-cancer.net/mois-sans-tabac)

[4] A. Morghad, “Mois sans tabac 2024: Review of the 9th Edition,” Fédération Addiction. Accessed: October 2, 2025. [Online]. Available at: [https://www.federationaddiction.fr/actualites/substances/tabac/mois-sans-tabac-2024-le-bilan-de-la-9e-edition/](https://www.federationaddiction.fr/actualites/substances/tabac/mois-sans-tabac-2024-le-bilan-de-la-9e-edition/)

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